Terry Jackson, singer and bass player for the Liverpool band, the Searchers, died Monday, August 18th, 2003. He was 63 years old. The Searchers were most famous for their 1964 hit, "Needles and Pins".
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Canadian singer and regular performer on Your Hit Parade, Gisele Mackenzie died Friday, September 5th, 2003 of cancer. She was 76 years old. Mackenzie was famous for such hits as "Hard to Get" and "Pepper Hot Baby".
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
I thought they were most famous for "Georgie Girl".
That was the Seekers, not the Searchers.
np - Is There Anyone Out There? * The Wall Live - Pink Floyd
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
RIP Warren Zevon, age 56, from cancer.
One of his final songs is called "Keep Me in Your Heart", recorded after the terminal diagnosis. It's a heartbreaking experience but I recommend everybody hear it at least once.
Godbless, Warren. You'll be missed.
Whoa! What happened? A couple weeks before I left ABQ, they had a thing in the paper about how his diagnosis had been wrong and how his cancer was being destroyed...
Sigh.
Yeah, Benn, I thought of that sometime after posting my message. My bad. But I did find some of their songs to download, though.
Sparrow, you can read about Zevon here.
Thanks, Mark!
NP - I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Warren Zevon Anthology. RIP Warren.
yw, Sparrow.
A few weeks ago, Vh1 aired a special, Keep Me In Your Heart. It was about Zevon and his learning that he had cancer and his struggles to make his final album, The Wind. The snippets of songs I heard on that special sounded great and I've been planning to buy it soon. I probably will later this week.
It's almost a shame that Warren will best be remembered for the novelty hit, "Werewolves of London", as anyone who has at least heard Excitable Boy, the album that "Werewolves" is on, can tell you, Warren had created far greater songs.
In the time he had left, Zevon had two goals. One was to finish his last album. The other - and this may have been tongue in cheek on his part - to live long enough to see the next James Bond film. At the time, that was the ironically titled film, Die Another Day. I personally am glad he lived to reach those goals, though I'm sure he left many more unfulfilled.
I haven't posted before this, because my power was out. It was cut back on Tuesday, while I was at work. I just now learned of Warren's death. I'm deeply saddened by the news. Even if the general public didn't know it, or failed to recognize it, Zevon was one of the greats. He is irreplaceable and will be missed.
Soon to be playing - Excitable Boy and The Hindu Love Gods (an album of covers Warren put together with the musicians of R.E.M.)
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Johnny Cash has died of complications from diabetes at age 71.
The man who told us about the "One horn, one eye flying Purple People Eater", Sheb Wooley, died Tuesday, September 16th, 2003 at the age of 82 of cancer. Sheb also recorded a number of country hits and country parodies under the name Ben Colder. One I seem to remember was a parody of Donna Fargo's "The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A." As Ben Colder, Sheb parodied it as "The Unhappiest Squirrel in the Whole U.S.A." Wooley was also an actor. He co-starred in the TV series Rawhide, appearing as Pete Nolan. He was also in such films as High Noon and The Outlaw Josey Wales.
np - Third Stage - Boston
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Whoa. This is a bit of a shocker. "Simply Irresistible" suave pop-rock singer, Robert Palmer has died today (September 26th) of a heart attack at the age of 54. For awhile in the Eighties, Palmer was hot and famous for his videos for such songs as "Simply Irresistible" and "Addicted to Love". The videos featured Palmer as a lounge singer backed by an all-female robotic "band". Other hits by the artist included "Bad Case of Lovin' You", "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" and my personal favorite, "Johnny and Mary".
np - "Johnny and Mary" - Robert Palmer
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
I just read about Palmer's death on the net and came straight here to post, figuring (correctly) that Benn would have beaten me to it.
This news was indeed a shock. Just the other day, I was going through my cd collection and the Robert Palmer stuff in particular, wondering what he was up to now.
I was recently shocked by actor John Ritter's death as well; both men were 54, which happens to be just a couple of years younger than my dad, and really isn't all that old. I don't know why I'm pointing that out...
Mm. Didn't John Ritter also die of a heart attack? Strange coincidence.
np - Live at Winterland '76 - Electric Light Orchestra
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Technically Ritter's death was due to a disintegration of the aorta, a vital artery. So no, Ritter died from internal bleeding, not a heart attack.
'Kay. I didn't really pay any attention, not being a Three's Company fan, much less a John Ritter fan. A friend and I discussed this recently on AIM. Frankly, we've both been mystified by the big deal that has been made about his death. I mean, he really just doesn't strike either of us as being a major celebrity. Either we missed it, or we just don't get it.
np - {Live At Winterland '76} - Electric Light Orchestra
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Well, I assume it's part of the reason why Fred Rogers' death was such upsetting news; Mr. Rogers was nowhere near a huge celebrity, but practically everyone's heard of him, and he was a genuinely nice guy, which Ritter by all accounts also was. That might be part of it.
Also the fact that Ritter died so young and incredibly abruptly. Sort of reminds one how transient life is if someone can be cut down so quickly, and with so much to live for. (Job, young children and family..)
Also the fact that his death was due to a non-inherited, undetectable defect that could concievably happen to anyone, no matter what their health.
I don't think Mr. Rogers is a fair analogy. Fred Rogers was a cultural icon. People knew who he was and a lot of people have tried their hands at imitating him. I mean, heck, Eddie Murphy parodied him on Saturday Night Live ("Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood"). More importantly, there are millions of kids that Mr. Rogers helped raise. (Not me. I didn't like his show. I was more a Sesame Street, Captain Kangaroo fan.)
John Ritter seems to me to have been somewhat of a minor celebrity. He had only one hit series (that slipped in the ratings once Suzanne Somers left the show) and a new semi-hit series. One or two hit movies. I really just don't see the fame factor here. It's not like he was in Bob Hope's class (and I'm not a Bob Hope fan). Yet Ritter's being treated as though he was.
np - Cultosaurus Erectus - Blue Öyster Cult
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Other than the Fred Rogers comparison, I think perhaps the things Snick said above pertain rather accurately to Ritter, and thus acccount for the attention his death has received (regardless of people's perceptions of his celebrity status). It's not like I was the biggest fan of his either, but I could say the same about Robert Palmer, or specifically his music: I didn't like everything he did, but I liked it enough that news of his death (at a relatively early age) came as a shock.
At any rate, sorry I brought up Ritter here on the music board.
Snick, I believe the aortic dissection Ritter suffered caused a heart attack. Obviously, when blood can't get to the heart, you have a heart attack, whether it's from cholesterol clogging a blood vessel, or an aortic dissection causing a drop in blood pressure.
Luigi,
I believe what Snick was trying to communicate was that the aorta disintegrated, and thus blood that should have flowed into the heart for redistribution was instead spilled into his chest cavity. Snick did not say that the blood flow that feeds his heart was diverted/constricted/etc ... which would, in your argument constitute a heart attack.
(Why am I moderating this?! ... I not a doctor, Jim, I'm a nitpicker!)
Certainly he had a heart attack from the catastrophic loss of blood to the heart, but had he not, he certainly would have died of internal bleeding anyway.
Really, I'm sorry I brought it up, already!
Now I KNOW I'm not a doctor!! ... doesn't the aorta take re-oxygenated blood OUT of the heart to the body? If I remember my high-school health class, the aorta is the very FIRST arterial vessel out of the heart. After the blood is through distributing vital stuff, it picks up body-junk and then becomes veinial blood and re-enters the heart (after a pass thru the kidneys and what-not) via the lower ventral lobe.
BTW, this particular topic may NOT be so "off-topic" since John Ritter is the son of the late country-western singer-song writer Tex Ritter.
Hey, that was a creative way of getting back on-topic, Derf. Thanks! Now I don't feel so bad.
Did I miss something here?
And of course the week after Ritter and Cash died all the rags had so-called inside stories about their last days and such, as usual. Yeah, like they'd know the truth and would even print it if they did.
It's also very common for celebs to pose for magazine covers while alive but I often wonder where they got certain pix they put on the covers when a celeb dies. Maybe they had tons of pix of the celeb out in public at some function or whatever, or else I guess sometimes the family will provide one. Anyway, the pix almost always seem to be ones that the celeb posed for, like for publicity or maybe just the heck of it.
Singer/songwriter Elliott Smith died Tuesday of an apparently self inflicted knife wound to the chest. He was 34. Though the critic's darling for years, Smith's bigest brush with fame was for the Good Will Hunting soundtrack. The song "Miss Misery" was nominated for an Academy Award (beat out by "My Heart Will Go On"). In my own humble and reserved oppinion, he was the single greatest songwriter of this generation.
Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers died yesterday. He was 63.
Half of the Righteous Brothers has died. Bobby Hatfield, aged 63, died in his sleep at a Radisson Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on the night of Wednesday, November 5th, 2003. The Righteous Brothers were famed for their lush, gorgeous vocal harmonies and such hits as "Unchained Melody", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "Rock and Roll Heaven".
np - Southern By the Grace of God - Lynyrd Skynyrd
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Dammit, Scott. You beat me to it. 
np - Southern By the Grace of God - Lynyrd Skynyrd
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
I just heard the news. I also liked their song, Soul And Inspiration.
Country artist Don Gibson, aged 75, has died on Monday, November 17th, 2003, cause of death was not given, but he died at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, TN. Gibson was famous for writing and recording such songs as "Sweet Dreams" (with which Patsy Cline scored a hit), "I Can't Stop Lovin' You" (which Ray Charles covered) and "Oh, Lonesome Me."
np - Get Back - the Beatles
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Oscar-nominated and Grammy award winning composer and producer, Michael Kamen has died on Tuesday, November 18th, 2003 in London of an apparent heart attack. He was 55. Kamen is famous for the work he has done with Pink Floyd (The Wall album) and for the soundtracks to such movies as X-Men, Lethal Weapons and the Die Hard movies. He won his first Grammy for Pop Instrumental for the film, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.
np - The Buck Dharma Archives 2 - Buck Dharma
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
That is an absolute bummer. I loved Kamen's work. I loved his score for "Licence To Kill" and the work he did on Kiss' "Elder" album, Freddie Mercury's "Barcelona" album and, as much as Benn will hate me for saying it, Metallica's "S&M" album which proved that you could get brilliant arrangements fom not so brilliant material.
He was a legend in his field and I, for one, will sorely miss him.
...as much as Benn will hate me for saying it, Metallica's "S&M" album...
Naw. That's not reason enough to hate you, sir. So far, you haven't done anything that I find that bad.
np - Wendy and Lisa - Wendy and Lisa
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Oh and how could I forget Kamen's beautiful orchestrations on Queen "A Kind Of magic" album (bangs head against desk in pennance)
Gospel music pioneer, Vestal Goodman, matriarch of the Happy Goodman Family, has died Saturday, December 27th, 2003. She was 74. In addition to being regulars on Jim and Tammy Baker's PTL Club, Vestal and her husband, Howard "Happy" Goodman, and family, also had a syndicated TV show, The Gospel Singing Jubilee. (I remember that show and even remember part of the show's theme. It ran on channel 11 in Dallas back in the Sixties.) The Happy Goodman Family recorded 15 #1 Gospel hits over the years.
np - Let It Be...Naked - the Beatles
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
Legendary Scottish fiddler and founding member of Silly Wizard John Cunningham died about 2 weeks ago of a heart attack. He was 46.
I tipped a pint or two in your honor, Johnny, and have played all the sad weepy ones that I own. You will be missed.
On Monday, December 22nd, 2003, country music artist, Dave Dudley died of a heart attack. He was 75. Dudley was famous for such hits as "Keep On Trucking" and "Six Days On the Road".
np - Benny Goodman's Greatest Hits - Benny Goodman
"It's all one song." - Neil Young
MSNBC is reporting that Bobby Hatfield's death (see the Nov 6 2003 posts) was caused by cocaine.
Randy Van Warmer, a singer-songwriter/guitarist, best known for his 1979 hit, "Just When I Needed You Most", died of leukemia on Monday, January 12th, 2004. He was 48. Van Warmer's career after being a one-hit wonder, consisted of writing such number one country music hits as "I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes" for the Oak Ridge Boys and "I'm In a Hurry (And I Don't Know Why)" for Alabama.
np - The Legend - Johnny Cash
"You can call me, 'Dr. Music.'" - Blue Öyster Cult
Adrianne "Teetsie" Richardson, the widow of J.P. Richardson, the Big Bopper ("Chantilly Lace", a classic), died on Wednesday, January 7 th, 2004. Cause of death was not stated. (See ( Life In Legacy for more details.) Nor was her age given, though it's guessed to be around 71. (I thought, that since this board was originally about the plane crash in which Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper died, that it was appropriate to mention the death of one of the "widowed bride(s)".)
np - The Legend - Johnny Cash
January 22, 2004 NYC performance institution The Bottom Line closed its doors for the last time after a lengthy and, ultimately unproductive, battle with its landlord. I miss the overcrowded tables and never-to-be-seen waitstaff already 
The Bottom Line
Doobie Brothers keyboardist and saxophonist Cornelius Bumpus died Tuesday, February 3, 2004 of a heart attack. He was 58. Bumpus joined the Brothers Doob on their 1979 album, Minute By Minute. He has also toured with Steely Dan in the '90s, and can be heard on the live Live In America CD.
np - 20 More Explosive Fantastic Rockin' Mega Smash Hit Explosions! - various artists (Kinda a parody of the old K-Tel albums of the Seventies. But it features cover versions of various K-Tel standards. Right now I'm listening to Head Candy's rockin' version of "Maggie May." A highly recommended album.)
"Music is a world within itself/With a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
Doris Troy, a U.S. R&B singer and songwriter, who had a Top Ten hit with "Just One Look" in 1963, died on Monday, February 16, 2004. She was 64 years. Doris also wrote the Dee Clark hit, "How About That" and contributed some vocals to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album. The off-Broadway play, "Mama I Want to Sing" was based on her life.
np - The Wind - Warren Zevon (an excellent album)
"Music is a world within itself/With a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
Blues saxophonist A.C. Reed has died on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 of cancer at the age of 77. In addition to recording three solo albums, including 2002's I Got Money, Reed toured and recorded with such artists as Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Erskine Hawkins and Junior Wells.
Bob Mayo, who was Peter Frampton's longtime keyboardist, died on Monday, February 23, 2004 at the age of 52 of a heart attack at a train station in Switzerland while touring with Frampton. Mayo can be heard on such Frampton albums as Where I Should Be and the classic Frampton Comes Alive! Additionally, Mayo did some session work for Foreigner and Joe Walsh and other artists.
np - Evolution - Journey
"Music is a world within itself/With a language we all understand" - Stevie Wonder
This is one that'll be unimportant to most everyone who reads these boards, but it's a very important and personal one to me. "The Semi-lengendary, almost King of Rock and Roll" Ken "Hubcap" Carter died on February 28 (my birthday, ••••), 2004. He was 60 years old and died of a congestive heart attack.
Who is Hubcap Carter? He was a Dallas-based DJ. (I heard him on KFJZ in Big D.) Hubcap would play all the oldies, you know music from the Fifties and early Sixties. At the time I was listening to him - the late Seventies - I was just starting to develop my tastes in music. Through "Hubcap" Carter, I was exposed to - and learned about - music from the early days of Rock and Roll.
Hubcap has always been one of my favorite DJs. I fondly remember how he would describe J. Frank Wilson as an old high school friend whenever he would play Wilson's "The Last Kiss". (Yes, the song Pearl Jam covered.)
In recent years, Hubcap had his own syndicated radio program, "Saturday Night Oldies Show", heard in Dallas and several cities in the state of New York.
His love of the music of the Fifties and Sixties showed through with every broadcast. He was wonderfully knowledgeable about the era. Hubcap, I never got to say this in person, but thanks for all you taught me. Rest in peace.
np - ...nothing like the sun... - Sting
"Music is a world within itself/With a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
Fifties R&B/Gospel artist, Gene Allison died on February 28 (what is about people dying on my birthday?), 2004. He was 69 years old and died of kidney and liver failure in Nashville, TN. In 1956, Allison scored a Top 40 hit with "You Can Make It If You Try" and had minor hits with such songs as "Have Faith" and "Everything Will Be All".
"Music is a world within itself/With a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
Crazy Town guitarist Rust Epique has died of an apparent heart attack on Monday, March 8, 2004 at the age of 35. Crazy Town was the band that had a big hit in 2001 with the song "Butterfly". Epique had since joined a band Pre)thing (sic), whose debut album is scheduled for release in April.
Jack Sperling, a noted jazz and big band drummer died on February 26, 2004 at the age of 81. Sperling worked with such luminaries as Bunny Berigan, Tex Beneke, Benny Goodman and Charlie Barnet. He was also the drummer for such NBC TV variety shows as Steve Allen's, Dean Martin's and Andy Williams'. He was also the drummer for Rowan and Martin's Laugh In.
And finally, Dave Blood (whose real name was Dave Schulthise), the bass player for the punk rock band, the Dead Milkmen has died. The Dead Milkmen had such great tunes as "Beach Party Vietnam", "Punk Rock Girl" and "I Tripped Over the Ottoman". Blood committed suicide on Wednesday, March 10th, 2004 at a friend's house at the age of 47.
Music is a world within itself/And a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
Edmund Sylvers, drummer and lead singer for the 1970s R&B/disco act, the Sylvers, died on Thursday, March 11, 2004, of lung cancer at the age of 47 in Richmond, VA. The Sylvers had such hits as "Boogie Fever", "Hot Line" and "High School Dance". Edmund had a solo hit in 1980 with "That Burning Love". He also acted as backup for such acts as the Whispers and Janet Jackson. Another Jackson connection is that Sylvers provided the voice for Marlon Jackson in the Jackson Five cartoon series of the early Seventies.
"Music is a world within itself/And a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
One of the original five MTV VJs has died. J.J. Jackson, who was also a long-time L.A. disc jockey, was one of the five people hired to introduce video clips and conduct interviews on the nascent Music Television cable station in the early '80s and was a VJ for five years. After leaving MTV, Jackson returned to the L.A. airwaves, working at several stations. His most recent gig was as the afternoon host for radio station KTWV. Jackson died of a heart attack on March 17 (this past Tuesday) while driving his car. He was 62. (I had to double-check that. I couldn't believe he was that old. MTV is so obsessed with youth that it's hard to believe that they had a VJ that was in his 40s. Guess that was then, this is now.)
"Music is a world within itself/And a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
R&B singer, Johnny Bristol died on Sunday, March 21, 2004 of natural causes at the age of 65. Bristol was also a producer and songwriter and was best known for his top ten hit "Hang On In There Baby". (I vaguely remember it.) Among the artists he produced were Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, the Four Tops and Junior Walker. While a part of Johnny and Jackie ("Jackie" being Jackie Beaver), Bristol recorded the original "Someday, We'll Be Together", which later became a big hit for the Supremes.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
Jan Berry, one half of the famous Surf Music duo, Jan & Dean, has died on Friday, March 26, 2004 at the age of 62 due to a brain seizure. The seizure was the result of brain damage Berry received back in 1966 from an auto accident he had been in which had also left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. Jan & Dean were famous for such classic surf tunes as "Surf City", "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena", "Drag City" and the ironically titled "Dead Man's Curve".
np - Casey Kasem's American Top 40
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
Niki Sullivan, the rhtythm guitarist, and a backup vocalist for the Crickets died in his sleep on Tuesday, April 6, 2004 at the age of 64. Sullivan can be heard on such Buddy Holly classics as "Oh Boy", "Maybe Baby" and "That'll Be the Day."
Also, Paul Atkinson the guitarist for the Zombies, died on Thursday, April 1, 2004 of liver and kidney disease at the age of 58. The Zombies were famous for such hits as "The Time of the Season" and "Tell Her No" and "She's Not There". Atkinson's post-Zombie career had him as an influential music industry exec. He signed ABBA to a record contract and discovered Bruce Hornsby in the '80s.
np - The Best of Meco - Meco
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
Oh good grief. I just noticed I misspelled "rhythm" in my previous. Funny thing is, no one's mentioned it. I guess nobody reads these posts.
np - Glenn Miller Greatest Hits - Glenn Miller
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
I read 'em, Benn. Perhaps some people (like me) just are not as familiar with some of these artists are you are.
I usually try to post about musicians that would probably be among the better known. Occasionly, I do, admittedly, post about a more obscure artist. But generally, I try to keep it with the better known ones.
My previous post was just me expressing surprise that I could have made such a spelling error, and none of my fellow nitpickers caught it before I did.
BTW, I'm you do read 'em, John. Thanks!
np - Speakerboxx/The Love Below - Outkast
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
I read them too Benn, but must admit I don't really shed a tear when the bass player of some one-hit wonder Brit band from the 60's dies.
having said that, though, occasonally you post people (like Michael Kamen) who actually MEAN something to ME. So I guess each to his/her own..
A lot of the people I post about, I'm not fans of, personally. I mean, the Zombies, I can take or leave them. But their songs still get significant airplay. It's possible that for somebody else, hearing of Paul Atkinson's death might have a greater meaning for them than it does for you and me. Still, I acknowledge that the Zombies have their fans, and their songs are important to them. I mean, personally, I don't care that Michael Kamen died last year. But I do realize that he was an artist of significance to people like you. As you say, "to each his/her own."
np - Social Distortion - Social Distortion
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
Oh, and if anyone cares, Weird Al Yankovic's parents, Nick and Mary Yankovic, were found dead Friday, April 9, 2004 in their suburban San Diego home. They were the apparent victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. See Weird Al's parents dead for more details.
still playing - Social Distortion - Social Distortion
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand." - Stevie Wonder
MAN! That's tragic!
I just hope Al doesn't go off the deep end because of this. He should seek counseling ASAP.
I would like to add my condolences to Weird Al regarding this tragic turn of events
Oh good grief. I just noticed I misspelled "rhythm" in my previous. Funny thing is, no one's mentioned it. I guess nobody reads these posts.
Just wanted to add: Yes, Benn, people do read these posts. Add me to the list that includes Rodney and John. It's just that this board seems to have taken on the life of a 'bulletin board', whether intentional or not, and nitpicking the spelling errors seems unnecessary. I'd rather that any discussion here be about the artists, not the posts. You're doing a great thing, Benn. I only wish that I could contribute more.
And- my condolences to Weird Al's family as well. Truly shocking and sad...
For those who don't know, Benn's closing of: "Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand." comes from Stevie Wonder's song: "Sir Duke" which appears on "Songs in the Key of Life"...which I found today on LP (33 1/3) for only >>$2.00<<. The CD of that same album at "Circuit City" costs $25.00!!!!
HA! Take THAT Circuit City!
I was wondering if and when someone was going to either ask about it or mention that it's from "Sir Duke". Nice catch, John!
(Takes deep bow) Thank you, "Sir Benn"
A few deaths to report here. They probably all fall under Mr. Hravtin's "obscure" category, but nonetheless, I'm listing them:
Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd - one of the pioneers of Reggae and an influential producer of Jamaican music died at the age of 74 of an apparent heart attack on May 4, 2004. Sir Coxsone is credited with launching the career of Bob Marley and the Wailers, helping to create "ska" music (a combination of American Jazz and R&B with African-Jamaican musical traditions). He also owned Jamaica's first black-owned music studio.
Felix Haug - one half of the Swedish pop duo, Double. (Haug played drums and keyboards.) Double was famous for their international hit, "Captain of Her Heart". Haug was also a one-time drummer for Yello. ("Oh Yeah!") He was 52 years old when he died of a heart attack on May 1, 2004.
Ritchie Cordell - songwriter who wrote (or co-wrote) such hits as "Mony, Mony", "I Think We're Alone Now" (Tommy James and the Shondells), "Gimme Good Lovin'" (Crazy Elephant), "Indian Giver" (1910 Fruitgum Company), "I Want Candy" (the Strangeloves, and later Bow Wow Wow) and "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts). He also acted as a producer for Tommy James and the Shondells and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. He was apparently murdered in early April. (His death wasn't announced until the week of April 19, 2004.) Cordell was 59 at the time of his death.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we understand."
They probably all fall under Mr. Hravtin's "obscure" category, but nonetheless, I'm listing them- Benn
Ugh! Teach me to open my mouth. I debated with myself long and hard before saying anything. Should have known people would have thrown it back in my face.
I case I didn't make myself clear the first time Benn, I think you're doing a great service. Just because I myself don't know (or really care for that matter) about most of the people you post on here, doesn't mean everyone feels the same way. Post away.
Legendary Bebop era jazz guitarist Barney Kessel is dead at 80.
Actually, Rodney, I was kinda poking fun at your comment. I wasn't being serious about it. No harm meant. And by the way, thanks for your words of encouragement.
np - Against the Wind - Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Curtis Gordon, a Country-Swing/Rockabilly guitartist, singer-songwriter died at the age of 76 on May 2, 2004. Gordon worked with such artists as Chet Atkins, Noel Boggs and Buddy Eamons, as well as having a solo career in the early '50s. He was also an inductee into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
np - Forever and Ever - Champion Jack Dupree
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
John Whitehead, half of the R&B duo, McFadden and Whitehead, famous for their hit, "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now", was the victim of a shooting while working on his car with a mechanic. (The mechanic is believed to be the intended victim.) He was 55 years old when he shot on May 11, 2004. In addition to his hit with McFadden and Whitehead, John also wrote the hit, "Backstabber", for the O'Jays, and other "Philadelphia Sound" tunes for such acts as Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, the Intruders, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, the Jacksons, Archie Bell and the Dells, Lou Rawls, Freddie Jackson and Melba Moore.
np - Don't Tell a Soul - the 'Placemats
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Jazz drummer, Elvin Jones, who recorded with such artists as Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane, died on May 18, 2004 of heart failure at the age of 76. Jones' drumming can be heard on such albums as Sketches of Spain by Miles Davis, and John Coltrane's A Love Supreme and The Gentle Side of John Coltrane.
Another jazz artist, clarinetist and sax player and composer, John LaPorta, died on May 12, 2004 at the age of 84. LaPorta played and recorded with such jazz greats as Kenny Clarke, Bird Parker, Lester Young, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich and Miles Davis. Additionally, he was a member of the Woody Herman Orchestra in the mid-1940s and published something like 200 composition, working in jazz, classical music, as well as movie soundtracks. He can be heard on such albums as Klook's Clique by Kenny Clarke, Why Do I Love You? Miles Davis and Tuba Band (never heard of this one), Early Spring '51 - Stan Getz, Woodchopper's Ball, Vol. 1 - Woody Herman and the First Herd, and Johnny Mathis - Johnny Mathis (duh).
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Marius Constant, the Romanian composer who is best known for creating the theme to The Twilight Zone has died on Saturday, May 15, 2004 at the age of 79.
np - Natural Disasters - Blue Öyster Cult
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Enuff Z'Nuff's Derek Frigo, the band's lead guitarist on their early Nineties hits, "New Thing" and "Fly High Michelle", was found dead outside of his girlfriend's home on Friday, May 28, 2004 at the age of 36. The cause of death is not currently known.
Meanwhile, Clint Warwick the original bass guitarist for the Moody Blues died at the age of 63 of liver problems in a hospital on Saturday, May 15, 2004. Warwick was with the Moodies from 1964-1966 and performed on the band's hit, "Go Now".
np - Freeze Frame - J. Geils Band
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Robert Quine, guitarist for Richard Hell's legendary punk band, the Voidoids, died an apparent suicide (by way of a herion overdose) on Monday, May 31, 2004 at the age of 61. In addition to the Voidoids, Quine had worked with such artists as Marianne Faithful, Matthew Sweet, Tom Waits and Lou Reed. (He appears on Reed's albums, The Blue Mask, Legendary Hearts and New Sensation; on Tom Waits' Rain Dogs, Marianne Faithful's Strange Weather, and Matthew Sweet's Earth, Girlfriend, Altered Beast and 100% Fun albums.) The death of Quine's wife is thought to have motivated his suicide.
np - Sci-Fi's Greatest Hits Vol. 1: Final Frontiers - various artists
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Ray Charles, legendary gospel/blues musician, died of apparent natural causes on Thursday, June 10, at his Beverly Hills home. He was 73.
I'm gonna miss Ray Charles. I really liked him. 12...count 'em, 12 Grammy Awards!
I'm just afraid too many people my age (early 20's) will vaguely remember the man as the "You Got the Right One Bay-bay!" Pepsi Guy.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Not my man Ray!
Guess it's time to "Hit the road, and don't you come back no more..."
Just got home from work and heard about Ray Charles' death. The man had class and was most definitely one of the greats. He will be missed.
np - Last Flight - Wings (a live bootleg of the band's last concert. It's where the live version of "Coming Up" was culled.)
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Ah, the live version of Coming Up that was a bonus single that came with the LP, but which is not on the CD even though two bonus tracks were tacked on.
And yes, it's a pity about Ray. I love his early stuff, especially what's on The Birth of Soul box set.
Off-topic, but a little more about the live version of "Coming Up": The live version, which really was the hit, was also available on the 45. Side 1 had the clunky, new wave version. (Macca was the worst New Wave artist of all time. He really didn't get it.) The b-side featured the live version, the hit version of the song. There was also an instrumental, "Lunch Box/Odd Socks", which was an outtake from the Venus and Mars sessions. "Lunch Box/Odd Socks" can be found on the reissue of Venus and Mars. "Coming Up (live)" can be found on both All the Best and Wingspan.
Incidentally, I'll have to listen to it again, but it sounds like the live version originally had an extra verse to it. Which means I still don't have a recording of the original 45 version of the song. (The difference is ridiculously small. But I guess it shows that I'm being picky.
Well, I am a nitpicker...
R&B singer Syreeta Wright passed away on Monday, July 5th at the age of 58. The cause of death was bone cancer. Syreeta's biggest hit came with her 1980 duet with Billy Preston, "With You I'm Born Again". Additionally, Wright was known for writing or co-writing such tunes as "If You Really Love Me" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" with Stevie Wonder (with whom she was once married) and "It's a Shame" for the Spinners.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
And while I'm here, Cal Green, guitarist for 10 years for Hank Ballard and the Midnighters died at the age of 68 on Tuesday, July 6th. Green can be heard on the infamous "Annie" recordings that Ballard and his band recorded: "Work With Me Annie" and "Annie Had a Baby".
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Arthur Kane, the bass player for the influential glam/punk band, the New York Dolls, has died of leukemia on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at the age of 55. Kane had recently reunited with surviving New York Dolls members Sylvain Sylvain and David Johanson (aka Buster Pointdexter) and recorded a new album as well as opening for Morrissey. Kane is also the fourth member of the Dolls to pass away. The others were Jerry Nolan (drummer), Billy Murcia (the Dolls' original drummer), and of course, Johnny Thunder (the band's original guitarist).
np - Silly Love Songs of the Seventies - various artists (I think I'm ready to burn this one.)
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
np - Silly Love Songs of the Seventies - various artists (I think I'm ready to burn this one.) - Benn
Dude, if the fumes bother you now, be careful when you burn it!
Put a towel under the door, man.
Jerry Goldsmith...Composer 1929-2004
"The Omen", "Planet of the Apes", "Patton" and of course, "Star Trek-The Motion Picture, Star Trek V, Star Trek, First Contact, Star Trek-Insurrection, & Star Trek-Nemesis
Dagnabbit, John! I was gonna repost my Movie board message about Goldsmith's death here and you beat me to it.
It's an Omen. 
Actually, I think I was the first one to get it out (not that it's a contest), but in this case it was difficult to decide which thread it should be in -- I think we were all correct in this case.
I just love Goldsmith's music.
Don't forget Twilight Zone - "The Invaders", one of the greatest TV episode scores of all time.
Actually, I think I was the first one to get it out (not that it's a contest), but in this case it was difficult to decide which thread it should be in -- I think we were all correct in this case. - Influx
Yup. Your post in the TREK Cemetary is where I first learned of it, Influx. And you're right, it isn't a contest. I was just making a joke, because I was going to cross-post the news of Goldsmith's death here, only to find John had beat me to it.
Another soundtrack Jerry did was the one to Alien. And yeah, Goldsmith is one of my two favorite soundtrack composers. (The other is Ennio Morricone.)
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
What about John Williams, Benn?
He's my favorite.
Just heard a selection on the radio, coming in to work today, that reminded me of another favorite. Erich Wolfgang Korngold. (Argh, Bernard Herrmann, too. Maybe we need a thread for favorite composers, TV & Movie...)
"Illinois Jacquet, a legendary tenor saxophonist who played with nearly every jazz and blues luminary of his time and whose standout solo on Lionel Hampton's "Flying Home" became a rhythm and blues standard, has died. He was 81."
I'm a tenor sax player, so this is particularly sad for me. Oddly enough, though I have listened to many of his tunes, I have no idea how his last name is pronounced.
Influx---DONE! See "Movie Music"
Rick James, the Super Freak himself, at age 56.
His tombstone will read;
"I'm Rick James, B*tch!"
Minus the * of course.
The US correctional system has lost one of its finest.
Yet another great soundtrack composer has died: Elmer Bernstein died in his sleep at the age of 82 on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. Bernstein was famous for scoring such films as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Escape, The Ten Commandments, True Grit, The Man With the Golden Arm and of course, The Magnificent Seven with its iconic theme.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Bernstein's best soundtrack was "The Age of Innocence". It recaptures the early-baroque style of Bach, Vivaldi & Handel.
Al Dvorin has left the world. Dvorin was famous for announcing, "Elvis has left the building" after the King had performed in concert. Dvorin died at the age of 81 in a car crash in California on Sunday, August 22, 2004.
np - Eighties Night - various artists (My own creation)
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
On another board, John A. Lang asked whatever happened to Laura Branigan? Unfortunately, I can now answer that. She died on Thursday, August 26, 2004 at the age of 47 of a brain aneurysm (according to her official website). Branigan was, of course, famous for such hits as "Gloria", "Self Control", "Solitaire" and "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" (cowritten with Michael Bolton). Goodbye, Laura. For more info see Laura Branigan.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
I only hope it was instantaneous and painless for her (I dunno how fast aneurysms work). My condolences to her family.
Heaven has another angel! Goodbye, Laura!
I remember having a massive crush on her as teenager and eagerly awaiting the clip for "Gloria" to appear on the TV. No-one wore eighties fashions like she did. She will indeed be sadly missed...
I was called in to work today for 4 hours and for most of the time couldn't get "Gloria" outta my head. I never had a crush on her but at the time always thought she was rather cute. Turns out she's got the same birthday as my brother, too, though born several years earlier than him.
Here's a late one:
Dennis Miles, aka D-Roc, rhythm guitarist for Ice-T's metal band, Body Count, died on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 of lymphona. He's the third member of Body Count to die. (Boy talk about a band living up to its name...) Body Count was, of course, famous for the early '90s controversy over the song, "Cop Killer".
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Brazilian music producer, Tom Capone (real name Luis Antonio Ferreira Goncalves), from a motorcycle accident just hours after leaving the Latin Grammys.
Carl Wayne, former lead vocalist for the Move (a proto-punk band), has died of cancer on Tuesday, August 31, 2004. He was 61. Wayne was the vocalist on such Move hits as "Night of Fear", "Blackberry Way", "I Can Hear the Grass Grow" and "Flowers In the Rain". He had also joined the Hollies in 2000.
The Move, after Carl left the band, would eventually evolve into the Electric Light Orchestra.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
I'll be playing my Move compilation in tribute tonight . . . favortie Move song: "Fire Brigade".
I used to have a Move compilation tape. Haven't gotten around to replacing it. I did d/l "Flowers In the Rain". Good song.
So long, Carl.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Broadway songwriter, Fred Ebb, died on Saturday, September 11, 2004 of a heart attack. He was 76 years old. Among the scores Ebb was responsible for are "Chicago", "Cabaret", "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "Zorba", all of which were adapted into movies. Perhaps one of his most famous tunes was the title song for the Martin Scorcese film, New York, New York, which starred Liza Minelli and Robert De Niro.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Session drummer Kenny Buttrey died Sunday, September 12, 2004 at the age of 59. Buttrey's drumming can be heard on such albums and songs as Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline and Blonde On Blonde, Neil Young's Harvest, Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville" and Robert Knight's "Everlasting Love". He was also a member of the Southern Rock band, Barefoot Jerry.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
First Joey, then Dee Dee and now Johnny. Johnny Ramone lost his battle with prostate cancer last night. RIP, Johnny.
Yeah, I just saw that about Johnny Ramone. He was only 55. Man, this sucks. The Ramones were great.
"Gabba gabba hey!", guys!
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Nashville recording legend, Skeeter Davis (her real name was Mary Frances Penick) died of breast cancer on Sunday, September 19, 2004. She was 72 years old. Davis was famous for her 1963 top of the pop hit, "End of the World". Her other hits included "Saving My Love" and "I Can't Stay Mad At You".
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
That's the first I've heard of it. That's really too bad, RIP Skeeter. The Davis Sisters certainly have their share of devotees, though I always hoped that they would get even more credit for helping to shape the burgeoning Rockabilly scene in the 50's. There's a live version of "Rock a Bye Boogie" floating around out there that is amazing- hearing those harmonies at such a quick tempo is just the coolest.
I had the good fortune of seeing her perform a couple of times in the 80's (backed up by NRBQ.) What a natural talent she was.
Izora Armstead, one half of the Weather Girls, the duet famous in the '80s for "It's Raining Men" (which has become a gay anthem over the years), died on Thursday, September 16, 2004 of heart failure. She was 61 years old. (If my copy of The New Rolling Stones Encyclopedia of Rock [1995 edition] is to be trusted.)
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
I think this part of the rock-morgue is getting a bit crowded- might be time to start a new board methinks....
Rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard, also known as Dirt McGirt, O.D.B., Big Baby Jesus and his birth name, Russell Jones, died in a recording studio Saturday, November 13, 2004 at just a couple of days before his 35th birthday. O.D.B. collapsed at the studio and was dead when paramedics arrived.
O.D.B. was a member of Wu-Tang Clan in the early '90s. Among O.D.B.'s hits were "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and "Got Your Money".
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
What a shock, a rapper with a long drug history drops dead. What next? Seriously, what passes today as music and "musical artists" make me sick. These guys are nothing but thugs.
Oh yeah, I forgot, I got a kick out of his mother sawing what a good father he was to his dozen or so illegitimate children, and the report of how he went to get a welfare check for his kids in a limo.
Yeah, what's funny is the cause of death is a "mystery". Uh huh. Right. This was time coke didn't add life, I'll bet.
Bear in mind, I just report these deaths. I try not to be judgmental about it. (Unless I'm a fan, then that's a whole other matter.)
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Charles Manson associate, Beach Boys associate and Byrds producer, son of Doris Day, and member of the surf band, the Rip Chords ("Hey Little Cobra"), Terry Melcher has died of melanona on Friday, November 19, 2004 at the age of 62. As a producer, Melcher worked on such Byrds hits as "Turn Turn Turn" and "Mr. Tambourine Man". He also co-wrote the Beach Boys' big '80s hit, "Kokomo".
Also another Terry has died this month. Terry Knight, producer and manager of Grand Funk Railroad was murdered on Monday, November 1, 2004 while defending his daughter at home in Killeen*, Texas. He was 61. He was stabbed by the girl's boyfriend in what police described as a "domestic disturbance". Before managing and producing Grand Funk, Knight was the lead vocalist for Terry Knight and the Pack.
*Another website says it was in Temple, Texas.
np - "Superman Kryptonite" - 3 Doors Down
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott, guitarist for Damageplan was shot and killed onstage last night while he and his band were performing in concert in Ohio last night. He was 38.
Damageplan was performing a concert when 25 year old Nathan Gale jumped onstage and began to fire a gun. He shot and killed Darrell, then shot and killed at least three other people (at least one audience member), wounding two others. At this point, Dimebag is the only band member who is acknowledged to be a victim of Gale's rampage.
Damageplan was formed by Dimebag and his brother, Vinnie Paul Abbott, after the demise of their former band, Pantera last year.
I'd love to know how the security at the Columbus, Ohio venue (the Alrosa Villa nightclub) could have been so lax that someone could get a gun in there?
For more of the story, you can read it here.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
The Switzerland-based site www.manowar.ch is reporting that singer Pat Lachman was also killed. I haven't heard that anywhere else, though. I'm sure Metal Sludge has an article but their site is conveniently down at the moment.
I just checked Manowar's official site (www.manowar.com). It fails to mention that Pat was also killed. Must be another Manowar, though. The lead singer for this one is Eric Adams... Does this mean there are two acts by that name?
Damageplan's website only shows a picture of Dimebag Darrell.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Alrosa is a heavy-metal nightclub that can handle up to 600 or so people (there were 300 at the Dangerplan concert). In some ways, it's a glorified bar with a stage, an open area in front of it and a mosh pit. This time of year, it would be easy to conceal a weapon underneath a winter coat.
I'm unfamiliar with Pat Lachman but his death wasn't connected to Dimebag Darryl's. Three others were killed by a gunman at Alrosa -- a club employee, an audience member and a member of the Dangerplan crew -- before a police officer arrived and shot dead the gunman.
The only Pat Lachman I can find a reference for is a guitarist for Diesel Machine. Even going to AMG (All Music Guide), Eric Adams is listed as Manowar's lead singer on their most recent CD.
"Piggy In the Middle" - the Rutles
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
A couple of more things about the shootings:
Nathan Gale, the gunman wore a hooded sweatshirt and a Columbus Blue Jacket hockey jersey when got onstage.
The shooting happened on the 24th anniversary of the assassination of John Lennon.
CNN's website does not list any other musician as a victim of the shootings.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
OK, maybe I should have checked the way I worded that mesaage. Pat Lachman was the singer in Damageplan. I just happened to read this on a metal news site with the word "manowar" in the address (because it used to be "The Official Swiss Manowar Site")
The Metal Sludge article says: "The earliest news indicated that Dimebag Darrell and one other band member were among those killed, though we've heard conflicting reports suggesting that none of the other band members were fatally injured during the shooting."
Jerry Scoggins, the man whose vocals can be heard on "The Theme From The Beverly Hillbillies", aka "The Ballad of Jed Clampett", died at the age of 93 of natural causes on Tuesday, December 7, 2004. Scoggins was also a member of the Cass County Boys, a country-western act the performed on Gene Autry's radio show and appeared in 17 of his movies.
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
??? I'm confused ???
I thought it was Earl Scruggs & Lester Flatt
Well, John, while Flatt and Scrugg did indeed record and release a recording of "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" and were the ones to play guitar and banjo on the TV series' theme song, they were not the ones to sing it. That was Jerry Scoggins. (Check the credits. Scoggins is listed as the vocalist of the theme.)
np - XXX - ZZ Top
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
Thanks for clearing that up. I was confused because there was an episode of "Hillbillies" in which Flatt & Scruggs appeared on the show and sang the ballad. No Scoggins in sight.
There was also an episode in which Roy Clark was on the show as "Cousin Roy"...Original, eh? NOT!
CHIEF! The Clampetts are throwing money out the window!
Opera star Renata Tebaldi has died at the age of 82.
Tebaldi was considered to have one of the most beautiful, purest voices of the 20th century. For many seasons, she was one of the biggest stars at New York's Metropolitan and Italy's La Scala.
She was considered the rival of Maria Callas, and many preferred working with her because she was as good a singer but without the ego and emotional baggage that Callas bought.
Her recordings of "Aida" and "La Boheme" are considered some of the finest placed on vinyl.
I know we don't normally post about classical artists here, but I, for one, will sorely miss this great and talented singer.
62 year old bluesman Son Seal died on Monday, December 20th, 2004 from complications of diabetes. Among his better known songs were "Hot Sauce", "Your Love Is Like a Cancer", "Cold Blood", "Goin' Back Home" and "On My Knees".
"Music is a world within itself and a language we all understand."
2 recent losses:
Guitarist Hank Garland
Yahoo News
Bandleader Artie Shaw
NBC